Eid al-Fitr is a significant holiday celebrated in Saudi Arabia and is known for its grandeur and jubilation. The occasion marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and praying. The holiday is also referred to as 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' and is a time of great joy and family get-togethers. It is considered one of the significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The holiday begins with the sighting of the crescent moon which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.
In Saudi Arabia, the celebration takes on a whole new level of grandeur. The markets are bustling with people shopping for clothes, toys, and sweets. The houses are often decorated with lights and adorned with an array of delights. The streets of Saudi Arabia are generally filled with the delicious aroma of traditional food and sweets being prepared in home kitchens. The holiday is a public one in Saudi Arabia, with schools and offices usually closed for the duration of the celebration. People wear new clothes, exchange greetings, and give gifts to each other.
Charity is also a significant part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Saudi Arabia. On this day, it's customary for people to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a form of almsgiving, to the less fortunate before the communal prayers. This is a way to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. After the communal prayer, family and friends gather to share meals, often featuring traditional dishes and sweets.